Given its geographical location and subtropical climate, Puerto Vallarta is blessed with numerous flora and wildlife species. Here we have the possibility of choosing from either embarking on tours with professional companies or just doing the touring all by ourselves for this is a quiet and safe place that allows us to do so.

Among an array of choices, we can take a hike up in the mountains while gazing at a local vegetation marked by such trees as chiltle, brazil, dyewood, tampiciran, amapa and giant parotas; or maybe catch a glimpse at countless animal species like amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. There are a few coastal lagoons, like Estero del Salado, that can be kayaked down the canals that slither their way through the mangrove thickets.

This is a paradise for birdwatchers as well, with plenty of species that nestle and feed themselves on the premises. The place is particularly beautiful in summer as soon as the Marine Turtle Protection Program goes into effect. Visitors may drop in on a nearby breeding ground and release baby turtles.

WHALES AND DOLPHINS Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, Bay of Flags was then called Bay of Humpbacks due to scores of such whales that used to swim ashore every winter. Now protected by the law, humpbacks continue to flip over here from December to March just to mate, spawn their offspring and feed them.

In Puerto Vallarta, humpback whales are part of the people's daily life and everybody waits for their arrival. Several organized tours sail off everyday as soon as the morning dawns to give travelers a chance of watching whales in their natural habitat. Fares are in the neighborhood of $75, but the show is worth the early morning ride. It's very important to always rely on genuine professionals who know how to respect and take good care of these animals and their environment.

SPORTS AND ADVENTURE TOURISM Puerto Vallarta is a destination that offers an array of sports and adventure-packed activities since it’s blessed with an ideal environment marked by privileged nature, sea, mountains and rivers. These are some of the most interesting options: Bicycle rides around town, mountains, lakes and the jungle; tours on 4x4 vehicles; horseback rides; trekking trails leading visitors up to gorgeous mountains and waterfalls (especially in the rainy season); mountain climbing, parachuting on the beach and the seawall; kayaking, and bike rentals, just to name but a few. As to the modalities that have caught on the most, bungee jumps for the boldest travelers are available over the Mismaloya and Canopy roads. Right now, there are three different places around town for the practice of this derring-do sport.

WATER SPORTS: Most hotels are outfitted with facilities for water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, catamaran and yachting.

Rides aboard banana boats and parasailing events are usually organized at the beach. Scuba diving is one of the most sought-after sports as travelers can take a closer look at gigantic devil rays, whales and other huge marine species, a day’s delight for any underwater aficionado.

The most interesting sites are Los Arcos, Marieta Islands and Caletas. And the best seasons come around in the summer and the fall when water visibility is at its best and seas are not choppy. For its part, snorkeling provides wet-behind-the-ears divers with a great chance to gaze at this astounding underwater scenery.

A case in point is Los Arcos, a perfect natural reserve. Bahia de Banderas is also a perfect getaway for windsurfers, with over twenty sites. Besides, nearly all hotels offer windsurfing options. When it comes to fishing, Puerto Vallarta ranks among the finest places on the face of the earth for high-sea and sport fishing. Sailfish is the king of the seas around here, without making light of tunas, swordfish and dorados. A high-sea fishing tournament takes place in November. For further information, click on www.fishvallarta.com.